The Electric CarThe electric car is fast approaching the top of the list of alternative transportation methods being looked at (both for the present and in the immediate and distant future). As we define what constitutes an all electric vehicle, we need to also define other types of vehicles that use electric power along with other sources of power. We need to understand exactly what an all-electric vehicle (EV) really is. Other types of cars (other than all-electric) are not exactly electric vehicles – in the clear definition of the term. 
An electric vehicle is a vehicle that uses chemical energy stored in battery packs that are rechargeable, and electric motors and controllers for those motors instead of (in place of) an internal combustion engine (ICE).Vehicles that use both internal combustion engines and electric motors are actually (and correctly) termed hybrid vehicles. Hybrid vehicles are not the same as electric vehicles (EVs) – primarily because they use what is known as a charge-sustaining technology. In a hybrid vehicle, the batteries are externally charged to assist, or help displace, some of the work being done by the internal combustion engine. These hybrid vehicles are termed as plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). The category of electric vehicles (EVs) now includes automobiles, small neighborhood electric vehicles, and light trucks. We’re going to list the currently available electric vehicles below. We’ll also talk about what the future holds for electric vehicles. We’ll list the companies that will be making these EVs available to the public for purchase and use. And, we’ll discuss future developments for EVs that are “in the works” right now.
Current LimitationsThe history of EVs and PHEVs (until presently) has been full of limitations which have slowed the progress of EV usage becoming a reality. Some of those limitations include:
Most of these issues are slowly being resolved by manufacturers and distributors as further research has rendered better, longer lasting, and cheaper rechargeable batteries. We also have the laptop, cellphone, and PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) markets to thank for these improvements. The good news for electric powered vehicles is that these limitations are now quickly becoming “a thing of the past.” The future looks brighter for electric car technology as more and more people become interested and available funding increases. Most importantly, the overall cost of fossil fuel is on the rise, causing paradigm shifts in our everyday thinking - and a greater awareness of these alternative energy technologies. Electric Production VehiclesThe following table lists all production models of EVs that have been manufactured and the stats for each one:
As you can see, some of these models were the original electric car production models that actually began the era of electric vehicle production. Some of those on the list are still currently available from the manufacturers, and others are soon going to be available for purchase (depending on your location). If you're really feeling pioneering, and you'd like to convert the old gas-guzzler vehicle of yours to an all electric vehicle, Bob Brant has written a really good book called Build Your Own Electric Vehicle. In it, he explains step by step how to build an inexpensive EV from a kit or convert an existing internal combustion engine car into an electric. Return from Electric Car to Alternative Energy Transportation
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